Kwankwao is better than Atiku as replacement for Buhari in 2019 – Abubakar

Atiku Abubakar and Muhammadu Buhari are not the only northerners reportedly eyeing 2019

Turaki Abubakar gave some reasons why he an his group think Rabiu Kwankwaso should replace Buhari

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum led by Yerima Shettima had also asked aspirants above 60 to perish the thought of becoming president

The 2019 presidential election will definitely be more of a battle among brothers as a third northern group has emerged declaring support for Senator Rabiu Kwakwanso, former governor of Kano state.

The group spoke out just days after two other groups made their declarations, one for President Muhammadu Buhari and the other for former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.

In an exclusive chat, Turaki Yahaya Abubakar, the president of the Northern Youth Forum For National Development, said while the other groups openly supported Buhari or Atiku, he and his team have pitched tents with Kwankwaso.

Speaking from Kaduna, where the group is based, Abubakar said among Kwankwaso is the youngest among the trio and thus would have the vigour to carry the weight of governance if elected as president.

“The Northern Youth Forum For National Development is more interested in Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso due to some reasons including his youthful age,” Abubakar said.

The group believes age is no longer in favour of Atiku. Buhari has remained in London for over three months now on medical grounds with civil society groups and Nigerians divided on whether he shoulf resign or remain in office.

“Kwankwaso is very hard working, philanthropic, charismatic, faithful and sincere concerning all his commitments. He will also take everybody along.

“He has so many leadership qualities unlike other northern leaders regardless of party affliction.

“If elected, he will certainly transform our nation economically and otherwise. He is our choice and the best of all,” Abubakar said.

It was recently reported how Vanguard indicated that there is division among two major northern youth groups over who to endorse as a northern candidate in 2019.

According to the report, the 2019 purported presidential ambitions of incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari, and former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, have created a gulf between the groups.

The division reportedly started after AYCF leader, Alhaji Yerima Shettima granted an interview, asking Buhari and Atiku and other northern political leaders above 60 years of age to perish the thought of seeking elective offices in 2019.